Center for Youth and Families having a volunteer work day

The North Missouri Center For Youth & Families, a 501c3 non-profit organization, is inviting any individual, businesses, or community groups to participate in a volunteer work day.

The organization has thus far been fueled by volunteers, but hopes to be providing services by the fall of 2013. Even though the organization may not be fully operational, they do anticipate being able to run PowerUP!, which is an after-school program, on a limited basis, until additional space, staffing and funding allows. PowerUP! is currently being held at the House of Prayer each Wednesday, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., and averages 20 children.

NMCYF has outlined five core competencies of which PowerUp! after-school program will be centered on:

• Academic Enrichment: NMCYF will offer a full service tutoring environment with paid and volunteer staff to assist members in the understanding and completion of homework assignments and other academic requirements. NMCYF will provide supplemental activities which will align with their school curriculum and communicate with school personnel to meet specific needs.

• Health/Fitness: NMCYF will provide healthy after-school snacks and evening meals to each member, as well as guided activities and games that promote a healthy, active lifestyle.

• Fine Arts: Members will have the opportunity to participate in activities such as arts, crafts, drama, and music.

• Character/Citizenship Education: Programs and activities will be provided that encourage members to grow in leadership opportunities within their schools, NMCYF, and the community. This will include community service projects, U.S. government awareness, and programs that promote good choices and strong character behavior.

• Career Awareness: Members will have access to activities and programs that enable students to explore career paths and apply planning skills toward future goals.

The NMCYF received word in Sept. of 2012 that they did not receive the 21st CLCC grant that was applied for in partnership with the Chillicothe R-2 School District. However, they continue to raise funds through private donations, and are making step-by-step renovations to the old Savage Grocery building, located at 211 Locust Street.

"We are still awaiting our status as recipients of Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) tax credits through the Missouri Department of Economic Development," said executive director Daniel Savage. "If we are awarded those credits, we will have the ability to sell them to business owners, farmers, and rental property owners. Those credits are worth 70 percent of an individuals gift applied as a discount to their income tax. We should know of our status by the middle of January."

Those credits, if received, would be applied specifically towards the renovation of their facility.

The NMCYK board is in the process of planning and implementing other fund raising efforts to cover program and administrative costs.

"Our yearly operating budget is projected at around $150,000," said Savage, of which the NMCYF has raised 45 percent of that goal.

Page 2 of 2 - The work day will include a variety of projects that the NMCYF needs help with to further their renovation process. The organization especially welcomes anyone with construction experience or licenses. "No experience needed, just come ready to help out!" said Savage. "There will be something for everyone."

There will be two shifts persons can choose from, or they may plan on spending the day on Saturday, Jan. 12, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., or 1 to 5 p.m. Lunch will be provided between shifts at 12, by Nico'z Catering & Eatery.

If you have your own equipment/tools, please don't hesitate to bring them. For questions, or to RSVP, contact Daniel Savage, Executive Director, at 660-247-1703, or daniel.nmcyf@gmail.com.

NMCYF is a 501 c 3 organization, dedicated to bringing a comprehensive, five-day-per-week after-school program and family resource agency to Chillicothe and across North Missouri.

NMCYF would like to offer rentable space such as a multipurpose room and kitchen to community organizations and groups.

The facility could possibly be used to house other community programs that would provide financial support to NMCYF. As the agency moves forward, a long-term goal is to establish similar facilities throughout the North Missouri region.